[UNDER-20 WORLD CUP] The USA’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the Under-20 World Cup for the first time since 2007 — and the eighth time since thebiennial tournament was launched in 1977 — are tempered by an extremely difficult first-round draw. Managing to survive group play, Coach Tab Ramos figures, would prove his teamcapable […]
under-20 world cup
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
USA feels secure in Istanbul
[UNDER-20 WORLD CUP] Like Brazil, Turkey is holding a FIFA championship and security is an issue as anti-government protests have swept Istanbul and other Turkishcities in recent weeks. But there was no evidence of the protests as the USA went about its business of preparing for the Under-20 World Cup opener Friday against Spain. ”In […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
U-20s to provide glimpse of future U.S. stars?
By Mike Woitalla Since the U-20 World Cup was launched in 1977, the biennial tournament has introduced to the world some of soccer’s biggest stars. Diego Maradona famously dazzled at the 1979 tournament in Japan. Others who followed include Enzo Francescoli, Dunga, Davor Suker,Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Michael Owen and Lionel Messi. […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
Ramos: 'Spain is going to be another story'
[UNDER-20 WORLD CUP] Coach Tab Ramos said the USA’s 3-1 win over Portugal in its last game before leaving for Turkey givesit momentum heading into its opening game at the Under-20 World Cup Friday against Spain. “Portugal is a very technical team and a very aggressive team,” Ramos told USSoccer.com. “Physically, they’re strong. They have […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Championships put nations' youth programs under scrutiny
By Mike Woitalla How much performances at youth national team championships tell us about the state of soccer in a country is debatable, but here’s what HarryRedknapp said after England exited the U-21 EuropeanChampionship in Israel with three straight losses: “We do not know how to play football. We just boot the ball up the […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
USA downs Portugal 3-1 in final tune-up
[UNDER-20 WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN] The USA beat Portugal, 3-1, in the final tune-up for both teams for the Under-20 World Cup. Portugal had the edge in play but theUSA put away its chances to get a huge confidence boost a week before its U-20 World Cup opener against Spain in Istanbul. Jose Villarreal scoredin the […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
Hernandez leads with goal and assist in 3-0 win
[USA UNDER-20 MEN] The U.S. under-20 men’s national team beat local team Esperanca Lagos, 3-0, with three second-half goals as it began its finalpreparations in Portugal for the Under-20 World Cup that begins June 21 in Turkey. Alonso Hernandez scored a 49th-minute goal and assisted Luis Gil’s tally in the 64th minute. Danny Garcia also […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
Barcelona's Deulofeu heads Spanish squad
[UNDER-20 WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN] Gerard Deulofeu, one of the most heralded youth players to come through the Barcelona youthsystem in recent years, will lead Spain, the USA’s first opponent at the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey. Deulofeu, who plays for Barcelona B, is joined byJese of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid’s Oliver Torres in the […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
Brazil captures Toulon title
[FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL ESPOIRS] Brazil, which did not qualify for the Under-20 World Cup, won the Festival International Espoirs for the seventh time with a1-0 win over Colombia at the Stade du Ray in Nice. Cruzeiro striker Vinicius Araujo had the game’s lone goal in the 3rd minute. Brazil swept allhonors as Yuri Mamute was named […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
Heavy U.S. influence to El Salvador squad
[UNDER-20 WORLD CUP] Four players from the Washington-Baltimore area, three who spent time with Texas Rush as part of a multi-sport exchange program, a formerDevelopment Academy star from Utah and a former Florida youth star are among the players El Salvador called up for the Under-20 World Cup that begins next month in Turkey. Former […]